Free agent watch: Dashon Goldson

FILE - In this Oct. 29, 2012, file photo, San Francisco 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson is tackled against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. All 32 teams are under the $123 million salary cap, but how much teams want to wheel and deal is unclear. Those available include Goldson, Ed Reed and Wes Welker. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
— AP

FILE - In this Oct. 29, 2012, file photo, San Francisco 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson is tackled against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. All 32 teams are under the $123 million salary cap, but how much teams want to wheel and deal is unclear. Those available include Goldson, Ed Reed and Wes Welker. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
/ AP

Paired with Eric Weddle, Carson-born tough guy Dashon Goldson would give the Chargers a matching set of versatile safeties and the punishing hitter they’ve lacked at the position since Rodney Harrison departed.

Goldson is a free safety, Weddle’s designation as well. Just call them safeties. Both are fluid center fielders who are also comfortable in the tackling box, where Weddle spent more time last season than he ever had.

Goldson will give up the post, but when he shows up in run support, he commands respect.

It’s exciting to think what Weddle and Goldson, each 28, could do together. It's also a pipe dream. Goldson, who seeks $8 million a year, better fits the Bucs, who have cap room and are in a state without an income tax. Too, the 49ers may try to keep him.

Looking for a strong safety, the Chargers should consider enforcer Bernard Pollard, whom the Ravens released on Wednesday. But would he consider them? Sophomore Brandon Taylor, recovering from knee surgery, also is in the picture. Corey Lynch, who started four games for the '12 Chargers, is one of several free agents worth a look.